The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is banking on two factors to make inroads into tiny Perlis and win the minimum eight seats it requires to form the next state government. It is cashing in on the hottest topic among voters - high prices of consumer goods and services - and using it as its main strategy in its campaign against Barisan Nasional. Squabbling within the Umno Perlis leadership may also play into the opposition party’s hands.
PAS state committee member Ahmad Tajuddin Salleh, who has been doing breathing yoga exercises for some time, is confident that the party will retain Sanglang. He said its candidates stand a good chance in Simpang Empat, Guar Sanji and Pauh state seats (all under the Arau constituency); Santan, Beseri and Titi Tinggi (under Padang Besar) and Kuala Perlis, Kayang and Bintong (under Kangar). Ahmad Tajuddin, who will contest in Kuala Perlis, is currently in hospital, recovering from an accident - he fell while fixing the roof of his house recently. He also alluded to bickering between factions in Umno Perlis, one led by Shahidan Kassim and the other by secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, saying this could affect the six areas where Shahidan holds sway and four where Radzi is in control.
As about campaign issues in Kuala Perlis, Ahmad Tajuddin said thousands of villagers are facing unresolved land issues as they have been living in squatter areas over the last four decades. He said PAS has pledged assistance to squatters in such areas as Pulau Ketam, Hujung Tanjung and Belakang Kilang if it comes to power.